Modern Indian Studies (B.A.) (2 subjects)

Programme description
India is an extremely complex and diverse country which is undergoing a continuous transformation process. The double-major BA in "Modern Indian Studies" at CeMIS deals with current economic, social, political, religious and cultural developments in the Indian subcontinent:


  • How does cultural and religious diversity influence social development in India?
  • How are social inequality and religious diversity addressed in India’s democratic system?
  • How can dynamic economic development unfold within the pluralistic society?


One subject perspective is insufficient to answer such complex questions and to analyze and understand India and its transformation. A multifaceted or "interdisciplinary" is therefore necessary.
In the BA (and MA) degree courses at CeMIS, political science, economic, social and cultural anthropological, religious science and historical approaches are used to better understand complex phenomena and developments in modern India. The BA thus offers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date global questions and problems, not by focusing on a European perspective (as most social sciences in Germany do), but rather by looking at the Indian subcontinent.

Focus of study programme
In the course of your studies, you will be able to develop a profound knowledge of the region in India as well as different disciplinary perspectives,region in India, and you will be able to find out which topics and subjects you are most interested in. In doing so, you will gain the ability to grasp the central themes of the subject "Modern Indian Studies", to independently develop questions, and to implement them in practice.

  • political and economic tranformations in modern India
  • religious, linguistic and cultural diversity
  • social inequality
  • India´s economic transformation



Structure of study programme
To complete a double-major B.A., the major in Modern Indian Studies is combined with a second equivalent subject, which can be chosen from the wide range of subjects offered by other faculties. Modern Indian Studies thus offer the unique opportunity to develop an out-of-the-European perspective on global issues, in combination with a subject mainly focused on Europe or North America, such as sociology, political science or history. By acquiring a unique regional competence, you can create an interesting profile of your own.
An up-to-date overview of the courses can be found on the "Study Programmes A-Z" page. The programme also includes Key Competencies to facilitate your entry into a professional career or for admission to a master's degree programme.

Ba pie chart

More information about the structure of the study programme in the right hand column or in the flyer (pdf), and about Key Competencies in the right-hand column.

Perspectives / Career Opportunities
Those who have successfully completed a BA in Modern Indian Studies are qualified to work in Indian or transnational enterprises, in development cooperation, in associations, in administration and in government agencies, in NGOs, the tourism sector, as well as in media and communications. They may also choose to pursue an academic career in research and teaching. The Bachelor Programme serves as a qualification to enter the Master programme. Further information: here .

More information about the degree programme
Admission: Admission to the bachelor's degree programme in Modern Indian Studies is not limited. You can enrol online from 1st August onwards. Online-Immatrikulation für zulassungsfreie Bachelor-Studiengänge.

Language skills:
The course is primarily in German, although very good knowledge of English is required, as many texts and some courses are in English. Courses in a modern Indian language are a compulsory part of the degree program, except for native speakers of a modern Indian language (application for exemption necessary).